CCPS Biology Course Descriptions

100 Level Courses

BIOL 100: Principles of Biology. 3 hours.

This course provides an introduction to basic scientific terminology, biology, and chemistry. It is designed to prepare students for more rigorous science curriculum. Will not satisfy biology major requirements. General education requirement for non-science majors.

BIOL 102: General Biology. 4 hours.

This course will provide students with an overview of biology from cellular structure to classification of organisms. This course will also introduce basic ecological principles.

BIOL 104: Biology in the Contemporary World. 3 hours.

A study of the basic life processes of humans as they function in society and the ecosphere. A laboratory component is included. General education requirement for non-science majors.

BIOL 106: Conservation Theory and Management. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 102. A study of our natural resources, current status, future prospects, development of the past compared to present practices. A review of outstanding conservationists and their ideas.

BIOL 110: Fundamentals of Cell Biology. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 102.An introductory course focusing on major biological concepts relating to molecular and cellular biology and genetics. Lecture and laboratory. Intended for students majoring in science-related disciplines.

BIOL 130: Introduction to Bio-Medical Sciences. 3 hours.

Biology 130 will teach students the basic biological principles of nutrition, pathophysiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and control of infectious disease as it relates to health and disease in humans.

BIOL 135: Medical and Dental Terminology. 1 hour.

Biology 135 will teach students the basic terminology related to anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the human body.

BIOL 161: Forest Ecology. 2 hours.

The class will introduce the student to the total forest ecosystem. It will explore the relationships of plants and animals from the forest floor to the upper canopy. The importance of microclimates to various vegetation groups will be analyzed. Will not satisfy biology elective.

BIOL 162: Fruits, Nuts and Berries of the Ozarks. 2 hours.

Examination of the mast crop in Missouri. Topics to include the many various types of fruits (berries, drupes, samaras, follicles, legumes, pods, achenes, strobiles, etc.) found in the Ozarks. Field work and a collection will be required. Offered fall semester. Will not satisfy biology elective.

BIOL 172: Exploring Molecular Biology. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 102.This course examines the structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins. The molecular mechanisms of replication, transcription, mRNA processing and translation will be emphasized. In addition, regulation of these processes will be explored. Intended for students majoring in biology or related disciplines.

BIOL 181: Mechanisms of Genetic Inheritance. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 172. Co-requisite: BIOL 181-L.This course will apply the knowledge acquired in BIOL 172 to the inheritance patterns of genetic traits between individuals and within populations.

Prerequisite: CCPS-BIOL 172. DAY-BIOL181.An introduction to the principles of evolutionary biology, including the history, processes and patterns of evolution as well as systematic biology.

200 Level Courses

BIOL 200: Ecology. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 172.DAY Prerequisite or Co-Requisite: BIOL182.An introduction to ecological principles, emphasizing processes and patterns within the six sub-disciplines of ecology. The laboratory will integrate common field methods with experimental design and data analysis. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 200-L: Ecology Lab. 3 hours.

Co-requisite: BIOL 200.This lab will accompany the Ecology class and will provide laboratory experiences to enhance understanding of the ecological concepts.

BIOL 201: Biodiversity. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 172.DAY-BIOL 200.An introduction to the trends and patterns of biological diversity and our understanding of the biosphere. The class will focus on the evolution of genomes and systems using several model organisms. The generation and loss of biodiversity will be examined. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 205: Human Anatomy. 4 hours.

An introduction to the gross and microscopic anatomy of the human body. Mammalian examples of major systems are studied in the laboratory. Lecture and laboratory. Offered fall semester.

BIOL 206: Human Physiology. 4 hours.

This course examines the organization and function of the human body as a whole and the interrelations of its various systems, organs, tissues and cells. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 207: Anatomy and Physiology. 4 hours.

An introduction to basic anatomy and physiology of the human body from a single cell to the coordinated whole. Special emphasis is placed on conditions that may upset the delicate balance of each system and produce disease. Medical terminology will be integrated into the course to expand the student’s medical vocabulary. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 207-L: Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory. 1 hour.

A more extensive lab experience to complement the lecture and laboratory work provided in BIOL 207. Cannot be used for dual credit.

BIOL 208: Microbiology. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: CHEM 103 or CHEM 107. DAY-BIOL 110 or BIOL 172.A study of bacterial diversity, physiology, biochemistry and genetics as they relate to the environment and to human welfare. Fungi and viruses are also discussed. Laboratory methods for the identification of bacteria are introduced. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 210: Wildlife Management: Theory and Practice. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 200.History of wildlife management in the United States. Examination of basic ecological principles including population dynamics. Emphasis on habitat requirements with specifics on various game in Missouri.

BIOL 217: Anatomy and Physiology II. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 207.This course continues the study of the Anatomy and Physiology of the human body (a continuation of BIOL 207 Anatomy and Physiology). Topics include the structure, function and interrelationship between the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, urinary and digestive systems. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 245: Introduction to Human Nutrition. 3 hours.

A study of the essential nutrients and their value in the various food groups, their functions in the body, and how to determine the food needs of the individual.

BIOL 250: Foundations of Medical Terminology. 3 hours.

This course examines the various aspects of medical terminology including word origins, definitions, spelling, and pronunciation.

BIOL 290, 390, 490: Selected Topics. 1-3 hours.

Selected Topics are courses of an experimental nature that provide students a wide variety of study opportunities and experiences. Selected Topics offer both the department and the students the opportunity to explore areas of special interest in a structured classroom setting. Selected Topics courses (course numbers 290, 390, 490) will have variable titles and vary in credit from 1-3 semester hours. Selected Topic courses may not be taken as a Directed Study offering.

BIOL 291, 391, 491: Research. Variable hours.

Many academic departments offer special research or investigative projects beyond the regular catalog offering. Significant responsibility lies with the student to work independently to develop a proposal for study that must be approved by a faculty mentor and the appropriate department chair. The faculty member will provide counsel through the study and will evaluate the student’s performance. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible. Students must register for research (291, 292, 391, 392, 491 or 492) to receive credit and are required to fill out a Permission to Register for Special Coursework form. It is recommended that students complete not more than 12 hours of research to apply toward the baccalaureate degree

300 Level Courses

BIOL 302: Human Nutrition. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: CHEM 107 and BIOL 172. DAY-BIOL 110 or BIOL 172.A study of food as it functions to meet body needs with emphasis on utilization, food sources, selection of adequate diets, individual, community and world health problems and diet therapy.

BIOL 307: Botany. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201. DAY-BIOL 200.Introduction to the photosynthetic way of life in algae and plants. This course will consider plant structural and functional adaptations related to water retention and distribution, gas exchange, light absorption and energy conversion, anti-gravitational support, reproduction and dispersal; followed by a comparative study of the main plant groups from algae to flowering plants, emphasizing structural diversity and evolutionary trends. The laboratory exercises will present an introduction to plant (and algae) cells, tissues, and organs through comparative anatomy and morphology analyses.

BIOL 308: Immunology. 3 hours.

Prerequisites: BIOL 102, BIOL 172, CHEM 107. DAY-BIOL 181 or CHEM 238.A study of the immune response and its relationship to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. Topics include immune systems, immunopathology and antibodies.

BIOL 309: General Zoology. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201. DAY-BIOL 200.A study of major animal phyla including protozoans, with an emphasis on comparative structure and function, taxonomy, fundamental life processes, and ecological interactions. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 310: Field and Systematic Botany. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201.DAY-BIOL 200.A taxonomical survey of flowering plants. This course will discuss history, theories and methods of classification, identification, nomenclature and description of plants, followed by taxonomical characteristics of the main plant families. Laboratory exercises and field trips will focus on the use of taxonomic keys, construction of floral diagrams and formulas, identification and recognition of local flora, preparation of field data records and herbarium specimens.

BIOL 312: Advanced Ecology. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201. DAY-BIOL 200.A study of ecological principles, focusing on a modern understanding of ecological systems, patterns and processes. The laboratory will include common field techniques and emphasize experimental design and data analysis.

BIOL 313: Advanced Microbiology. 4 hours.

Prerequisites: Day-BIOL 181 and CHEM 238. CCPS-BIOL 181 and CHEM 107.This course will examine the unique physiology of the Archaea and Procaryotae and their roles in ecology and human disease. Techniques for identification of these organisms also will be studied. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 314: Field and Systematic Zoology. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 200.A study of the zoological natural history and systematics with emphasis on vertebrate biodiversity. Field and laboratory exercises on identification, sample methods, and population dynamics.

BIOL 315: Field Techniques in Environmental Biology. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201.The practical application of biological field techniques will be covered including statistical methods of reviewing data. The analysis of data along with the writing of laboratory reports also will be emphasized.

BIOL 322: Advanced Genetics. 4 hours.

Prerequisites: BIOL 201, CHEM 107. DAY-BIOL 181 and CHEM 238.A study of the molecular basis of gene expression and the mechanisms by which genetic material is inherited. Lecture and laboratory.

BIOL 325: Epidemiology. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 181.A study of epidemiological theory and practice. The distribution of health related problems in a population and the application of this theory to control health problems will be examined. Areas included in this study will be measures of disease occurrences, causal effects and statistical analysis of these events.

BIOL 328: Parasitology. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 110. A study of the parasitic relationship between parasite and host. Focuses on identification, classification, life cycle, route of infection, diagnostic methods, prevention, and pathogenesis and host response to infection. A laboratory component is included.

BIOL 332: Biology of Terrestrial Plants and Animals. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201.An ecological and taxonomic survey of local terrestrial plants and animals including laboratory and field exercises on identification, sampling methods and preparation of study specimens.

BIOL 337: Introduction to Virology. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201. DAY-BIOL 181.An introduction to how viruses replicate and cause disease. Survey of major groups of animal viruses is included.

BIOL 338: Biology of Lakes and Streams. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201.An examination of Missouri’s lakes and streams with emphasis on structural morphology, habitats, flora and fauna characteristics and limnology. Also included will be laboratory and field exercises on identification, sampling methods and preparation of study specimens.

BIOL 339: Fishes of Ozark Lakes and Streams. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: 3 hours of Biology or permission of instructor.This course is an introductory survey of freshwater fishes with emphasis on the local fish fauna. Principles of the natural history, taxonomy, ecology, and biology will be presented in lectures and by hands-on lab and field experiences.

BIOL 344: Toxicology. 3 hours.

Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and Day-BIOL 200, CHEM 238 and CHEM 238L. This course examines the basic concepts of the effects of toxins on human health, ways toxins are encountered and the consequences for individual and future generations. Methods of treatment are also discussed.

BIOL 364: Neuroanatomy. 4 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 102 and BIOL 172. Day-BIOL 172.An in-depth study of the biology of the nervous system emphasizing the relationship between neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Lecture and laboratory. Offered spring semester. Will not satisfy Biology major requirements.

BIOL 371: Entomology. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL 201. This course is designed to introduce students to the local insect fauna. It will investigate taxonomy, morphology, physiology, ecology and behavior of insect orders. Integrated pest management will be introduced. Methods and techniques for collecting and mounting insects will be utilized.

BIOL 381: Pharmacology. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: CHEM 107.A discussion of drug classes and thorough investigation of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug class representatives with emphasis on the therapeutics and toxicology in health and diseased states. Covers the basic concepts for monitoring, evaluating and optimizing drug therapy for clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings.

S/U Grading.Interns must have at least 60 credit hours, completed appropriate coursework and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 prior to registering for academic credit. Also, approval must be obtained from the student's faculty sponsor and required forms must be completed by the deadline. Note: *Architecture, Music Therapy and Education majors do not register internships through Career Planning & Development. These students need to speak with his/her advisor regarding credit requirements and options.

400 Level Courses

BIOL 489: Senior Seminar. 3 hours.

Prerequisite: Senior Standing.This course will provide senior students guidance in selection and completion of a capstone experience in biology.